PHENOMENAL: CHAPTER 3 ~CLOUDBURST~
When the group of mercenaries had made it out of the reaver nest they didn't even stop to look back at the mage that followed them. Everybody focused their attention on Tia, the woman that had been bitten. They were all thankful that the mage was buying time and covering their retreat with ice magic.
Ricky remained calm as he inspected the wound on Tia's arm, "It's not bad but the bite was deep enough... there's too much venom. Even if you go alone you won't make it in time Lance."
A shadow was cast over the group and just as Tori was about to speak up they heard screaming. Urda quickly turned back and ran to the halfling's side. She picked her up, so light, too light...
Lance spoke up as Urda approached them carrying the mage, "What's wrong with the halfling?"
Urda's expression turned grim, "This isn't a halfling... it's a child."
"What!?" Ricky shouted as Tori quickly moved to inspect the kid.
"Tori thinks it's a child to." Tori gave her a closer look, "The girl's eyes are hurt, it was probably the light. She's so pale, she must have been underground for a long time." Tori removed a potion from her belt and forced Myra to drink it.
All of them looked back and forth to each other at a loss for words. Each of them looked at the small girl. Faded blonde hair, unnaturally pale skin, half starved, ragged clothes, clutching a longsword with her scarred arm. What was a child doing inside a reaver nest and how was she alive. Being able to use magic wasn't enough to explain it.
Urda laid the girl down near Tia. "Do you have a name?" she asked
"Myra"
"What were you doing in there?"
"... I fell in."
Lance looked at her as she carefully began to open her eyes, the potion seemed to have repaired the immediate damage but her eyes were still adjusting. "You shouldn't have been in such a dangerous place, especially not after that cave-in happened."
"It wasn't like that before..." Ricky and Tori gasped, "...father was taking me to the city of mages, the ground shook and fell out from under us."
The collapse had happened almost two years ago, Myra had been underground for almost two years. Ricky choked back his tears and asked something he wished he didn't have to, "Your father?" Myra began to sob again as she remembered what had happened, Urda gave him a look that could kill as Tori patted her on the back.
This time Lance spoke up, "How did you survive down there?"
"I found a place the reavers couldn't get me, it had water and plants... I couldn't really tell time, how long have I been trapped?"
Lance spoke softly, "The collapse happened nearly two years ago, how old are you now?"
Myra was visibly shaken by the amount of time she'd spent in the caverns, "...I'm probably seven now, I was born Selestyr 7th."
Urda gave her a perplexed look, "I've never seen a child cast powerful magic like that before."
"I didn't have anything to do other than practice my magic..."
"What level were those spells?"
"Moderate level one" Tori was force feeding Myra some bread and water by this point while Lance stitched a child's cloak.
*oooooouuuuu* Tia moaned and regained their attention. "What's wrong with her?" Myra asked, her vision was still slightly blurred but she could tell the wound wasn't too deep.
Ricky's expression turned grim, "The reavers have venom in their fangs... she took a bad bite, we're too far from any towns to find a healer."
Myra carefully considered her next words then spun a believable lie, "I'm part Ophidian, will my blood help?"
Urda gasped and the others gave her an inquisitive look, "Ophidians are reptilian people!" she explained "They have anti-toxins in their blood!" the excited elf looked back at Myra "Did you inherit the traits?"
Myra showed her fangs as Lance took a step back and Tori looked genuinely intrigued, "I'm not sure if my antitoxins are strong enough..."
Ricky looked at Tia then back to Urda, "We can't bleed a half starved child... especially one we owe our lives to."
Tori gaped and tried to stop Myra as she ran a hand along her father's blade. Realizing it was a waste of effort Tori just pulled out a vial and collected the blood while Urda scolded Myra and the men silently thanked her.
Shortly after administering the anti-toxin Tia began to regain consciousness. "Urda?"
"I'm here Tia."
"How bad is it?"
"We might make it to a healer in time."
*cough cough* "Don't lie to me, we're so far out... even low level venom like this is deadly."
Urda made an annoyed expression, "I'm not fibbing we happened upon an ophidian... part ophidian they offered their anti-toxin for you, we really might make it."
Tia retched having realized what the steely taste in her mouth was. "Thank goodness... if only I could use li..."
Myra cut her off, "Light magic can stop venom?"
Tia gaped at the pale, messy child laying next to her in shock, "Who are you?"
Urda ignored Tia, "Light affinity is rare but those who have it can heal wounds and poisons, it's unique among all elements as the only affinity with healing spells."
As soon as Myra heard the explanation she attempted to enforce her will on the surrounding light but ended up using regenerate a few times by accident. Everyone had realized what she was trying to do and Tia spoke up, "Give it up child, you need training. People can't just generate spells so easily, especially a complicated one like cure venom or cure poison... is my bite wound healing?"
There was a change, Myra had realized that she wasn't making her will clear enough. Using her own body as a mental image she attempted to give the light traits similar to her own bodies antitoxins.
A new Spell has been generated through light magic proficiency: Toxin Destruction
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceToxin DestructionBeginner12%Conjure the power of light to eradicate toxins from your target.
-Eliminates low level toxins.
-Range: Line of sight.
-Costs 50 mp.
Wisdom has been permanently increased by 1
Myra cocked her head sideways as Tia gaped at her, "Did you just use cure venom?"
"It says I used toxin destruction." she spoke sadly "I guess I can't do it?"
Tia rolled out of place and knocked Myra over startling the others, "How did you generate the most difficult beginner healing spell just like that!?"
Lance reprimanded Tia while Ricky told her to be a little more graceful, it would seem the spell had worked. "I guess I'm just suited to dealing with toxins." Myra spoke a bit happily while baring her fangs for Tia to see. "Is the spell much different from a cure?"
Tia reeled in her gaping mouth, "Toxin destruction isn't just healing, you can use it to forcibly remove poisons and venom from enemies as well."
"Oh... that's nice." Myra yawned, "I'm really tired..."
Tori had Myra leaning up against her now. The roguish halfling hadn't had her maternal instincts kick in before and was having a hard time controlling herself. She let Myra use her lap as a pillow while Lance laid the finished cloak over her.
"You need to control yourself more Tia..." Lance was looking at Tia a bit perplexed
"I couldn't, do you know what that child is? She could be the next high priest with that kind of healing magic potential."
Urda chimed in, "I think light isn't her forte Tia."
Tia gaped, "What!?"
"Shut up loudmouth" Tori said quietly while absently stroking Myra's hair
Urda explained, "Myra here used moderate ranked water magic to save us from the reavers, we'd be dead without her."
"Moderate? How old is she?" Tia asked excitedly
"Seven" Ricky answered, "Don't even think about taking her with us Tia, it's too dangerous. We'll follow her father's wishes and say our goodbyes." Tori groaned with displeasure.
Tia vacantly looked around and took a moment to observe the girl again, now that she was calmer she'd realized what kind of shape Myra is in. "What happened to her?"
"The girl's father was taking her to Tal'ma'thul when part of the Tal'lei mountain range collapsed... been in the reaver nest ever since, from the way she's gripping that blade I'd say it was his."
Tia's heart ached and she felt guilty over how selfishly she was thinking while regarding the child's talent.
Lance spoke next, "She didn't just save our lives, she went the extra mile and saved Tia... the girl is really smart too, she didn't just flee she covered the rear with ice walls. I'd assume that her father was teaching her."
Urda looked at Ricky, "You're right we should take her to the mages and be done with it." Everyone but Tori nodded in agreement, "What's wrong Tori?" Urda asked
"Tori wants to keep her..."
Lance laughed, "That's a bad idea Tori, she may be small now but that child has ophidian in her. She'll easily be six feet tall."
Tori gaped, "Tori thinks Myra belongs with the mages."
*pft-hahahahahaha!* "Shhh, she's sleeping." Ricky covered his mouth apologetically
"Let's get out of here, we can come back for the rest of the reavers and I'd rather not do it with her around."
Myra opened her eyes, "You finishing them off?"
Ricky gave her a surprised look, "Yeah, it's our job... and a village to the south is in danger because of them."
"Let me help"
Urda could see a fire in Myra's eyes and motioned for Lance to not argue, "Tomorrow, rest now child."
A while after her eyes were closed Urda hoisted Myra up and handed her to Lance. "Go"
The centaur understood immediately and began to gallop away in the direction of Tal'ma'thul.
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Myra awoke to find herself cradled in the centaur's mighty arms. "Where are we going?"
Lance looked down at the her without slowing his pace, "Tal'ma'thul"
Myra's expression became a bit annoyed as she started to pout. "How long will it take?"
"You're not angry?" he asked a bit surprised
Myra looked over the arm that was shielding her from the wind, "It's the right thing to do... I wouldn't let another child fight."
"You don't sound like a child Myra... but I guess that can't be helped." Lance's expression was really pained
Myra put a hand on his cheek and smiled fondly at the centaur, "How long?"
"Three days at the most."
Myra was the shocked one this time, "Father said it would take a few weeks!"
"I'm a centaur and you were on foot, I can outrun monsters... your father probably meant to stop by every village on the way as well. There really isn't a need for that with me." he explained
"So it's straight to the mages?"
"Not quite, we'll spend a tonight at Staln'lem. I need to resupply and you can't eat meat yet, you need to slowly get used to eating more than plants again."
Myra nodded appreciatively.
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As they approached the village Myra began to realize that the atmosphere here was rather grim. "What's wrong Lance?"
"We haven't had much rain this season and the mages don't leave Tal'ma'thul anymore so villages like this suffer from droughts..." he looked down at Myra and remembered her tidal wave "I don't suppose you'd like to?"
Myra beamed happily, "Of course I will." The goddess in her, though it was overshadowed by her current self still existed. Myra would probably always be willing to aid others unconditionally.
"A tidal wave may be a bit much, how much water can you conjure?"
"A lot but that takes too much time..." Myra looked up at the sky as they entered the farming village "Put me down so I can concentrate."
Lance obeyed Myra and took a few steps back, he wasn't about to let anyone get near her.
If I could make it rain this would be simple. Myra gazed skyward with her hands raised. Villagers had begun to gather when they heard the commotion. Gasps and whispers spread, many of them hoped for the first time in what seemed like forever as they saw the girl conjuring water. After drenching herself multiple times then soaking a certain laughing centaur Myra finally managed to pull it off.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Cloudburst
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceCloudburstModerate10%Use mana to conjure a torrent of heavy rain.
-Spellpower: N/A
-Damage type: N/A
-Range: Line of sight.
-Area of effect: 50 meters.
-Costs 600 mp.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 2
Intelligence has reached 50. Mana +100. Spellpower +10
The title "Benevolent Soul" is now available.
Benevolent SoulPerforming selfless acts for the sake of another is second nature to you. Your kindness is unconditional and untainted.
-Certain beings will be able to sense that you are a gentle person.
As the villagers began to praise her Myra looked up at Lance, "Father said that mana gathers monsters... that was a lot of mana."
The villagers got quiet all of a sudden, "Leave that to me Myra."
Myra quietly followed Lance as he easily leapt atop a wall. The centaur remained vigilant for minutes before he jumped off the wall and galloped full speed towards the north. Myra silently admired his speed as the lance tore through one monster after another while his tower shield absorbed any attack with ease. After nearly an hour of this routine Lance was satisfied and decided it was time to move on. The villagers had gathered what they could spare for them and wished both well on their journey.
Lance turned back in the direction they had approached the village from. Myra being who she is knew what he was thinking, "If you can run the gauntlet I can summon the rain."
"It'll take us a few week to reach Tal'ma'thul... are you sure?"
Myra gave him an innocent smile, "I'm sure"
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Tia had turned to face the direction of Tal'ma'thul when she sensed a moderate amount of mana being released. She grinned as a large cloud appeared on the horizon. "Looks like Myra is watering the villagers." she spoke sarcastically
Ricky let out a sigh, "As long as they don't get into any trouble they can help people on the way, I saw that coming after all."
"When has Lance not rendered aid to people in need? We just gave him the biggest watering can in Nimri." Urda seemed a bit peeved as Tori laughed it off.
A few hours later another raincloud was formed, "... That's closer to us isn't it?" Tia asked confusedly
"That bleeding heart! He turned back to get another village." Ricky was a bit upset at this point.
"I guess Tori won't be seeing Lance for a few weeks... Tori misses Lance."
Tia began to follow Ricky as he approached another reaver. They had been picking off all of the stray reavers that tried to leave the nest. Urda looked back towards the caverns, "I guess we'll clear them out slowly without Lance."
"That shouldn't be a problem, we won't rush this time... or knock down any walls." Ricky looked at Tia who laughed awkwardly.
"Tori hopes Myra is safe, Tori likes Myra." Urda consoled Tori as they finished off another reaver, she was sure they'd meet again someday.
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The people of Tal'ma'thul had noticed the rainclouds and rumors were being passed around the city that one of their own mages had braved the nearby wilderness in order to help villages survive the drought. A woman with red hair looked out across the horizon to the south as another raincloud dispersed.
"Does it bother you mistress?" a man spoke while pouring the woman a cup of tea
"How can it not... you're sure everyone is accounted for?"
The man nodded, "Yes, whomever is out there isn't one of ours."
"... I'm taking a vacation, watch over things here while I'm gone."
"Headmistress surely you don't mean to!"
"Like you said it's bothering me, goodbye Thale." The fiery redhead waltzed down a nearby stairwell while ignoring Thale's cries.
A mage with that kind of power shouldn't be wandering around so near Tal'ma'thul without our knowledge...
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A little over a week later Myra had regained a healthy look and her pale skin was returning to a more normal complexion. Her faded hair on the other hand continued to grow in with the same degree of color. Myra didn't really care but it seemed to bother Lance a fair amount that something so visible would remain from her time underground. When Myra pointed out the scar and scales on her arm he sighed and returned to the task at hand.
As usual Myra had been watching from afar as Lance dealt with the monsters but this time she was worried. Instead of the usual horde of mindless enemies a sizable amount of goblins had arrived. Lance easily dealt with them until an archer and shaman pair began to harass him. Worried that the centaur she'd grown rather fond of was in danger Myra decided to deal with the ranged attackers and had drawn closer to the battle unnoticed.
She focused and used a few frozen lances to impale the archer which in hindsight was the lower priority target. The shaman easily shrugged off and disabled her frozen lances. With its attention focused on her Myra quickly used an ice wall to block the goblin's line of sight. A fireball almost hit her as she realized that it could still use area of effect magic to attack her. Myra regained her focus and tried to raise ice walls all around the goblin to hinder its perception.
*ding*
A new Spell has been generated through water magic proficiency: Ice Prison
Spell NameSpell CategorySpell LevelSpell ExperienceIce PrisonModerate10%Use mana to conjure a cage of ice around one foe.
-Spellpower: N/A
-Damage type: N/A
-Range: Line of sight.
-Duration: 90 seconds.
-Costs 150 mp.
Intelligence has been permanently increased by 2
With the shaman disabled Lance was easily dispatching their numbers until Myra sensed another source of mana... a huge amount of mana was being used to conjure. Within seconds a towering inferno swept across the field annihilating the most remaining goblins. As Lance dealt with the fleeing monsters Myra looked towards a small red haired woman as she approached. "Are you the one that's been making it rain all over the region?"
Myra nodded as the woman took a closer look at her. She figured from the spell this woman had just used it was likely to be a mage from the city.
I wasn't expecting a child... "Who taught you magic little one?"
"My father told me the basics of what my mother told him." she answered honestly
The woman was visibly shaken, "That's all?" Myra nodded again "How old are you little one?"
"Seven"
"How?" She was having a hard time accepting what she was seeing, "Using moderate level magic takes around three to four years of training and even then to have the mana it takes for a cloudburst spell..."
"It's because I have a high water affinity and father said I'm a..." Myra paused I should say it's a bit lower... "...five point mage."
The redhead grinned from ear to ear, "My sister is the most skilled water mage in Tal'ma'thul, she would love to train you."
"We'll be on our way to Tal'ma'thul after we finish with the last three villages..."
"Then I'll help you out little one. The names Rifel Evaans, you are?"
"Myra Vetalis, he's Lance." she spoke pointing to the out of breath centaur
"Let's try not to use more magic ladies, I'd rather not do this three times for every village."
"I wasn't using anything big like tidal wave..." Myra shot Rifel an accusatory glance, who in turn chuckled a bit and apologized to the centaur.
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